Ford Opens New Atlanta Research and Innovation Center

Earlier this month, Ford revealed the official opening of the Ford Atlanta Research and Innovation Center (FARIC) that is designed to advance the company’s digital transformation efforts within software-led connected vehicles, artificial intelligence, university research, and more.

Built in Atlanta’s Upper West Side, the 24,000-square-foot FARIC space is designed to surpass standard ADA compliance with a thoughtful, accessible layout that supports inclusion, flexibility, collaboration and innovation. More specifically, this new workspace more easily caters to individual needs while fostering creativity and team collaboration via an open and accessible floor plan built to support the needs of a diverse and cutting-edge team. It provides individual focus spaces, sit/stand desks, soft seating, and phone booth-style spaces where employees can take calls or work on their own.

FARIC is part of a network of Ford research and development institutions in Tel Aviv and Palo Alto that are devoted to pioneering the next steps of transportation with automated, connected, and electrified models. This new Atlanta facility puts Ford in one of the most diverse tech-talent markets in the nation and enables the company to create a pipeline of software experts with a variety of expertise.

“Ford is transitioning from a traditional automotive company to a digital products and services company driven by software innovation,” said Jim Buczkowski, executive director for Ford Research, Advanced Engineering. “There’s a high demand for tech talent across industries, and we have an opportunity to create non-traditional career pathways to attract and develop the expertise needed to stay competitive.”

While Ford begins its most substantial transformation in its history, it remains committed to developing a workforce that better represents the communities and customers that it serves. For the company, this includes attracting and retaining historically underrepresented talent, especially those with software engineering and high technology skill sets. Beyond serving as an innovation center and delivering software solutions, the FARIC team will also prioritize increasing Black, Hispanic, and female representation in software engineering and high technology careers.

“Underrepresentation is a significant issue in software and engineering industries, especially when it comes to Black and Hispanic communities, which makes it particularly exciting to work with local colleges, universities and nonprofits to help bring greater diversity into the tech space,” said Doron Elliott, senior manager of Ford In-Vehicle Infotainment, who will also oversee FARIC operations. “Building this critical talent base will enable Ford to continue to find innovative and efficient ways to develop cutting-edge products and services to meet the demands of a very diverse customer base.”

For the latest info on Ford’s new research and development and its community-based initiatives, keep reading our blog at George Wall Ford. Don’t hesitate to contact us in Red Bank, NJ, with any questions about Ford’s latest new models and nation-wide developments!